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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
Besides the word “fuck” sprinkled in this book reads like YA. Good idea just poorly executed.
Hated to put it down. Diabolical is RIGHT! A little tidy ending, but it couldn't go on forever. COMPELLING!!!
Quick and fast paced book. I loved how they tied in the villains story and highlighted the dangers of putting children and lives online.
I would give this book 3.75 stars. The idea of this book captured me from the very beginning. What would you do if you got a call saying that you child has been kidnapped, that you have to pay a ransom, then carry out your own kidnapping of another child in order to save your own? The premise of this book was so interesting to me, the reason for the lower rating is due to execution. Let me explain...
We read from the perspective of Rachel, who is divorced, battling cancer, and lives with her daughter Kylie. She gets the call from a woman who has kidnapped Kylie and will only release her once Rachel carries out the ransom and another kidnapping.
The book shows what a parent's love will do and the things you would do to keep your loved ones safe. Overall, a good story, but had the potential to be amazing. Would recommend.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
Okay, I think once we got into part 2 of the book, everything was pretty clear cut. When we are reading about Margaret and Oliver's childhood I was a little confused about how this fits into the story. I originally thought that perhaps this was a family that was going to be targeted next by The Chain, but things became more clear as we read more about them. I don't know if we can blame them for coming up with The Chain based on their childhood trauma as it seemed like they created their own trauma in a way (throwing their brother overboard and killing their dad). I wish there was some indication on the start of the chapter indicating that we were going back to the past or something to let the reader know the shift.
Before it was even said, I predicted that these two children were the ones that were running The Chain and that Marty's new girlfriend, Ginger was the same child named Margaret that we read about earlier.
The ending was honestly lame to me. Like a shootout and nobody EXCEPT the "bad guys" die and everyone else survives? Like yes, I know Pete got shot but he still lived. I think I would have liked the book more if Pete would have died. It would have given the reader a more realistic viewpoint of the end.
We read from the perspective of Rachel, who is divorced, battling cancer, and lives with her daughter Kylie. She gets the call from a woman who has kidnapped Kylie and will only release her once Rachel carries out the ransom and another kidnapping.
The book shows what a parent's love will do and the things you would do to keep your loved ones safe. Overall, a good story, but had the potential to be amazing. Would recommend.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
Okay, I think once we got into part 2 of the book, everything was pretty clear cut. When we are reading about Margaret and Oliver's childhood I was a little confused about how this fits into the story. I originally thought that perhaps this was a family that was going to be targeted next by The Chain, but things became more clear as we read more about them. I don't know if we can blame them for coming up with The Chain based on their childhood trauma as it seemed like they created their own trauma in a way (throwing their brother overboard and killing their dad). I wish there was some indication on the start of the chapter indicating that we were going back to the past or something to let the reader know the shift.
Before it was even said, I predicted that these two children were the ones that were running The Chain and that Marty's new girlfriend, Ginger was the same child named Margaret that we read about earlier.
The ending was honestly lame to me. Like a shootout and nobody EXCEPT the "bad guys" die and everyone else survives? Like yes, I know Pete got shot but he still lived. I think I would have liked the book more if Pete would have died. It would have given the reader a more realistic viewpoint of the end.
This book is super fast paced with a crazy concept that makes it hard to put down. I was worried the book would be too dark or gruesome for me, but it wasn’t. It did feel a little rushed at times, but regardless was very entertaining. 100% see a netflix thriller being made out of it.
I actually want to give this 4.5 ⭐️ but I can only do whole numbers!
This was a very fast read… interesting concept.
The only reason it didn’t get a full 5 ⭐️ was because some of it felt a bit forced and “corny” (like some 90’s LA cop show), but I’m not sure what I really expected… given the premise of it. Reminded me of the movie “Taken” combined with the episode “Shut Up and Dance” from Black Mirror.
I enjoyed it overall. Highly recommend!!
This was a very fast read… interesting concept.
The only reason it didn’t get a full 5 ⭐️ was because some of it felt a bit forced and “corny” (like some 90’s LA cop show), but I’m not sure what I really expected… given the premise of it. Reminded me of the movie “Taken” combined with the episode “Shut Up and Dance” from Black Mirror.
I enjoyed it overall. Highly recommend!!
Best book I’ve read in a long time!! People are pretty messed up…
WOWWW s/o to meg for the rec. was slightly skeptical in the beginning bc i felt like i’d heard this story before but it really held my attention. flew through this
So--you have to evaluate and review books like for what they are: crime thrillers.
And on that basis, this book is a solid four. In fact, it starts out more like a five-star book: unique concept, twisty plot, interesting characters. You can imagine yourself getting caught up in a Chain-like situation, where you would let your life be smashed and your personal morality utterly corrupted for the sake of your child. The book loses some momentum in second half, but there are still lots of surprises coming, lots of tension.
It's the end of the book that's the problem. After giving us a rip-snorting good ride, McKinty reverts to Ordinary Thriller Mode and the last 10% of the book is utterly unoriginal (even with a cliche' last-ditch surprise after you think everyone's safe). I'm not sure anyone could write a better ending, but it was a major let-down after tightening the tension for, umm, about 75 chapters.
It was my first McKinty book. I'll try again.
And on that basis, this book is a solid four. In fact, it starts out more like a five-star book: unique concept, twisty plot, interesting characters. You can imagine yourself getting caught up in a Chain-like situation, where you would let your life be smashed and your personal morality utterly corrupted for the sake of your child. The book loses some momentum in second half, but there are still lots of surprises coming, lots of tension.
It's the end of the book that's the problem. After giving us a rip-snorting good ride, McKinty reverts to Ordinary Thriller Mode and the last 10% of the book is utterly unoriginal (even with a cliche' last-ditch surprise after you think everyone's safe). I'm not sure anyone could write a better ending, but it was a major let-down after tightening the tension for, umm, about 75 chapters.
It was my first McKinty book. I'll try again.
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes